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A good alternative to the Omega Speedmaster professional Moon Watch

sanflex

Known Member
12/3/24
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Since there isn't a precise replica of the Omega Speedmaster, I want to introduce a good alternative today. The Bulova Lunar Pilot is a true Moon Watch, just like the Omega. In fact, it's the underdog that was chosen for the Apollo 15 mission in 1971 due to a defect in an astronaut's Omega watch. So, it definitely carries the history of a Moon Watch.

The watch has a 43mm diameter, making it suitable for medium to larger wrist sizes. However, it might be challenging for those with smaller wrists. It features a quartz movement with a frequency of 263 kHz, making it one of the most precise watches available. Despite not being an actual Omega Speedmaster, I find it a fantastic alternative. Priced between €500-€700, it offers great quality and, in my opinion, is better than a replica.

I own the panda (blue) edition, which is essentially the counterpart to the Omega Speedmaster Snoopy edition. As mentioned, I think this watch is an excellent alternative with superior quality.

Therefore, for anyone wanting an Omega Speedmaster but not willing to spend the money, the Bulova Lunar Pilot is a great alternative.
 

Duke_k

Getting To Know The Place
Supporter
Certified
12/5/24
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18
UK
I have the meteorite version of the lunar pilot. If you can get over the movement being quartz, it’s a fantastic watch!
 
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DarioM6611

‘Good fences make good neighbors.’
Patron
6/8/23
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I agree with you
Since there isn't a precise replica of the Omega Speedmaster, I want to introduce a good alternative today. The Bulova Lunar Pilot is a true Moon Watch, just like the Omega. In fact, it's the underdog that was chosen for the Apollo 15 mission in 1971 due to a defect in an astronaut's Omega watch. So, it definitely carries the history of a Moon Watch.

The watch has a 43mm diameter, making it suitable for medium to larger wrist sizes. However, it might be challenging for those with smaller wrists. It features a quartz movement with a frequency of 263 kHz, making it one of the most precise watches available. Despite not being an actual Omega Speedmaster, I find it a fantastic alternative. Priced between €500-€700, it offers great quality and, in my opinion, is better than a replica.

I own the panda (blue) edition, which is essentially the counterpart to the Omega Speedmaster Snoopy edition. As mentioned, I think this watch is an excellent alternative with superior quality.

Therefore, for anyone wanting an Omega Speedmaster but not willing to spend the money, the Bulova Lunar Pilot is a great alternative.

 
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Hesekiel

Vintage Watch Enthusiast
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4/1/17
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The original Lunar Pilot is 45mm, and what you have is listed as 43.5mm. It's a great watch, but what hurts it is that it's rather unknown and that it's quartz powered, although this is one of the best quartz movements money can buy. All in all, a great watch, but apparently not nearly as popular as an Omega.
 

Duke_k

Getting To Know The Place
Supporter
Certified
12/5/24
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UK
I think it’s the other way around - the original was 43.5mm but the first modern version they released was 45mm. The most recent ones are back to 43.5mm though.
 

sanflex

Known Member
12/3/24
117
118
43
I have the meteorite version of the lunar pilot. If you can get over the movement being quartz, it’s a fantastic watch!
That’s awesome! The meteorite version is also on my bucket list.
 

sanflex

Known Member
12/3/24
117
118
43
Best are the Bulova tuning fork watches. I love them and the technology.

The original Lunar Pilot is 45mm, and what you have is listed as 43.5mm. It's a great watch, but what hurts it is that it's rather unknown and that it's quartz powered, although this is one of the best quartz movements money can buy. All in all, a great watch, but apparently not nearly as popular as an Omega.
You're absolutely right; unfortunately, the Lunar Pilot is very underrated for the quality it offers in its price range.

Personally, I have no problem with it being a quartz movement, especially considering that the Omega Seamaster 2541.80 is also a quartz watch.

But maybe we can help ensure that the Bulova Lunar Pilot gets the recognition it deserves from the community.
 

sanflex

Known Member
12/3/24
117
118
43
I have the meteorite version of the lunar pilot. If you can get over the movement being quartz, it’s a fantastic watch!
Can you show some pictures of the watch? Because there’s always a huge difference in shop pictures and reality.